The New One, who had taken it up three from home, just had the upper hand coming to the final flight but made a bad mistake, with Sam Twiston-Davies briefly losing an iron.

That allowed Tony McCoy on the Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old to get the better of the 5-6 favourite on the dash to the line and take this rehearsal for the Cheltenham showpiece by half a length.

The pair pulled 28 lengths clear of Sametegal in third.

"I was pleased with his performance and most of all because AP (McCoy) was pleased with him and he said he'd come on a lot from Newcastle," said Henderson of the 11-8 winner.

"They weren't going much of a gallop and he couldn't let him jump. He didn't do the slick Tent today because he daren't fire him at a hurdle as he was just getting keen.

"One would be inclined to run him again before Cheltenham. I think he'd go there horribly fresh if he didn't. When he is fresh, he is keen.

"I think those were the best two in England, but I think the dangers lie in Ireland. There's Hurricane Fly and Our Conor, who I'm very afraid of."

The New One's trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "He was only beaten half a length and if he hadn't missed the last he might have got it.

"He probably won't run again before the Champion Hurdle, but I don't know, we'll have to see."

Annacotty gave trainer Martin Keighley his first Grade One success when springing a 12-1 surprise in the Kauto Novices' Chase – a race more familiar as the Feltham – and he could head for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

A course-and-distance winner and wearing blinkers for the first time, Annacotty came home 10 lengths clear of Green Flag with Just A Par, the 8-13 favourite, a well-beaten fourth.

How to Complain

If you have a complaint about the editorial content of the Belfast Telegraph or Sunday Life then contact the Editor here. If you are not satisfied with the response provided then you can contact the Independent Press Standards Organisation here

Your Comments

COMMENT RULES: Comments that are judged to be defamatory, abusive or in bad taste are not acceptable and contributors who consistently fall below certain criteria will be permanently blacklisted. The moderator will not enter into debate with individual contributors and the moderator’s decision is final. It is Belfast Telegraph policy to close comments on court cases, tribunals and active legal investigations. We may also close comments on articles which are being targeted for abuse. Problems with commenting? customercare@belfasttelegraph.co.uk